Ayodhya: When the panel began interviewing candidates to run the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, one of India’s most prominent temples, the line of questioning quickly crossed from balance sheets and bureaucracy into the personal: “Are you a staunch Hindu? Do you eat non-veg food?”
Eighteen contenders for the first full-time CEO post of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were grilled not just on their administrative record and vision for the Ram temple, but also on their religious practices, personal lives and dietary choices, sources said.
Candidates were first required to complete a detailed Google form that sought information on their administrative experience alongside their religious beliefs and personal background. During the interviews, panel members cross-checked details from their CVs and probed their likes and dislikes, interpersonal skills and overall conduct, as reported by DNA.
The questionnaire included: “Do you keep a shikha (tuft of hair)?”, “Do you wear a janeu (sacred thread)?” and “Are you a pure vegetarian or do you eat non-vegetarian food?” Candidates were also asked whether they consume alcohol.
The panel further questioned them about their families, prior work experience and ability to manage crowds during major religious events. Aspirants were asked about their faith in Lord Ram and their grasp of the temple’s religious and social significance, as the interviews aimed to evaluate administrative competence, leadership, religious and social engagement, and each candidate’s vision for the temple’s future.
Eligibility Rules Set By Trust
Following the June exposure of a pilferage ring siphoning cash, gold and other offerings from temple staff, the Trust has moved to install its first full-time chief executive. The new CEO will command the temple’s administration, facilities and allied business verticals. Media reports say the Trust has drawn a tight eligibility grid: only a practising Hindu who observes Hindu traditions and guidelines, adheres to a strict vegetarian diet and abstains from alcohol will qualify. The age band for the post has been locked at 50–70 years.
The interview process began on Tuesday, with 10 of the 18 shortlisted contenders appearing for the same. The rest are slated to face the panel on Wednesday. All sessions were conducted behind closed doors inside a greenhouse situated in the northern stretch of the temple complex, with strict confidentiality maintained from start to finish.
The selection committee comprises former Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and scientist Suresh Haware, former chairman of the Shirdi Sai Baba Trust. Dr Krishna Mohan, the Trust’s interim general secretary, was also present along with the selection panel.
Interviews commenced at 9 am, with the first session running until noon. The second was held from 2 pm to 6 pm. Each candidate was interviewed for about 30 minutes.
5,300 Applications
The call for applications drew a nationwide rush of more than 5,300 aspirants threw their names into the ring for the CEO’s chair. After sifting through the pile, the Trust shortlisted 18 finalists, with hands-on administrative experience carrying the most weight.
A senior Trust official told PTI that all 18 finalists touched down in Ayodhya late on Monday and were housed at locations arranged by the Trust. Among the shortlisted candidates are three former IAS officers, a retired IPS officer and four former military and education officials.
The CEO selection comes against the backdrop of a probe into theft and embezzlement of temple donations by a special investigation team of the UP Police. The investigation has to be completed in 90 days and the chargesheet has to be filed in court by the end of next month.
The CEO selection comes against the backdrop of a high-profile criminal probe into theft and embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations by temple staff. A special investigation team of the UP Police is working against a 90-day deadline to complete its probe, with officials saying the chargesheet must reach court by the end of next month.
Following the SIT’s submission of its preliminary report on June 23, an FIR was registered and eight people were arrested. Police also recovered cash, gold, silver and foreign currency from the accused, including Rs 20.39 lakh from one of them.